At UNGA, Dantsoho Commits to Building Globally Competitive, Digitally Driven Port System for Nigeria

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed that the authority is working towards establishing a globally competitive port system designed to enhance trade facilitation, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic future.

Dantsoho made this known while presenting a paper titled “Optimising Nigeria’s Port Infrastructure, Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Global Competitiveness” at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He revealed that the authority would launch the Port Community System (PCS) by the first quarter of 2026, describing it as a digital, collaborative, and all-encompassing platform that connects stakeholders, data, transactions, and initiatives to strengthen NPA’s digital footprint.

According to him, “We are building a globally competitive port system that will strengthen trade facilitation, attract Foreign Direct Investment, and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic future. We look forward to continued collaboration to achieve these goals.”

Highlighting progress in the sector, Dantsoho disclosed that Nigeria’s seaports have fully adopted paperless transactions, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. He noted that this transformation contributed to a 19.6% rise in non-oil exports in the first half of 2025.

He explained that the NPA has deployed a new electronic barrier system across all Lagos Port Complex terminals, integrated with the Eto Electronic Call-Up System to manage truck movement and ease congestion. Similarly, new innovations such as e-Tag verification, joint boarding applications, and electronic send systems are being introduced to optimise cargo processes, reduce dwell time, and improve turnaround.

On sustainability, Dantsoho stressed that the authority is prioritising lean and green operations, including efforts to enhance intermodal connectivity to limit dependence on road transport and cut emissions. He disclosed ongoing automation projects covering barge, truck, and railway applications, alongside shore-to-ship emission reduction initiatives beginning with Lekki Port.

He further noted that NPA is leading the development of a collaborative one-stop shop for refined oil export and local crude payment to simplify approvals and boost government revenue.

Dantsoho also highlighted ongoing investments in modern infrastructure, particularly in the Lekki Free Zone, where the Lekki Deep Seaport’s capacity to handle super post-Panamax vessels will enhance economies of scale and the competitiveness of Nigerian exports. He added that the NPA has commissioned a new fleet of tugboats and marine crafts to support operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport, Dangote Refinery—the world’s largest single-train refinery—and the Dangote Fertiliser Plant, the largest of its kind in Africa.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority is dedicated to modernising our port infrastructure and streamlining our services. We look forward to continued collaboration to achieve these goals,” he concluded.